352 Review of part of the Report of the Baltimore B. S.

very reverse of what is apprehended :-In one year from the for mation of the American Bible Society, upwards of fifty new Bible societies were instituted: while in the preceding year of 1815, the new Bible societies formed were less than half that number. And upwards of forty of the societies instituted during the first year of the existence of the national society, were formed as its auxiliaries.

5thly. The gentlemen above mentioned, "believe finally, that while a "national society can never long be conducted with vigour in so great an "extent of country, all the valuable purposes of a national society can as "well be effected by an intimate epistolary correspondence among the dis"tinct and independent state and county societics."

The Directors here favour us with their creed.-If after the evidence afforded by the British and Foreign and the Russian Bible Societies, that a national institution can for a long time be vigorously and successfully conducted, these gentlemen do not find their belief shaken, they certainly will not be accused of credulity. There are nearly six hundred Bible societies in the British dominions, and upwards of two hundred in this country: Can there be any rational ground for a doubt, whether, in either country, these several societies, acting separately and independ ently, could transact business on an extensive scale, procure stereotype plates, print large editions of the scriptures, supply the wants of distant and destitute regions, with the same my, dispatch and system, by setting to work their hundreds of Secretaries in active correspondence among each other, as could either of those national institutions, which in their nature are so much better calculated to concentrate the information, and the resources of the whole, without being embarrassed by the conflicting plans and opinions of so great a number of independent establishments?

econo

In the above report, the Directors kindly conclude, by giving an extract from the address of the convention which formed the American Bible Society. Had they also inserted the constitution of that society (which might have been taken from the same pamphlet) they would have conferred a greater favour; since the latter document accompanying their objections would have rendered any reply to these unnecessary.

cause

Although we have thus freely commented on the groundless preconceptions, and awkward and inexcusable mistakes of the Directors of the Bible Society of Baltimore, we are not forgetful of the past zeal and usefulness of that institution; and we feel grateful to its Right Reverend President for having given to the Bible in this country the sanction of his Episcopal example. We hope that as the Directors become better acquainted with the American Bible Society, they will form a more favourable opinion of it; and that, as their annual meeting is not very distant, they will embrace the opportunity in their next report to correct those representations of im aginary evils ascribed to it which have been the subject of these remarks. In the mean while we heartily unite in the wish expressed in the fifth report of that society, (page 1',) "That in a cause

"where all denominations, every community, and almost every na"tion are together striving for the glory of God and the salva❝tion of man, the citizens of Baltimore will not subject their name` to disgraceful comparisons and to foul reproach."

THE CHRISTIAN HERALD.

VOL. III.] Saturday, August 30, 1817.

[No. 23.

RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY OF LONDON.

On Thursday, May 15th, was held at the city of London Tavern, Bishopsgate-street, the eighteenth Anniversary of the Religious Tract Society, which was numerously and respectably attended, both by the clergy and laity of the established church, and of various other denominations

It appeared from the Report, (which will speedily be published) that the efforts of this Society for the diffusion of Divine Truth, continue to be prosecuted with unabated ardour, both at home and abroad, by persons immediately in connexion with it, as well as by Societies formed for the express purpose on both sides of the Atlantic: which, having caught the flame of holy zeal from the Parent Institution in London, are carrying its designs into effect, by re-printing its Tracts, in conjunction with others written for the express purpose, and dispersing them widely over a very considerable portion of the habitable globe; the efforts of which have (under God) been highly beneficial in the moral and spiritual improvement of numerous readers.

Religious Tract Societies, or Committees aided by the funds, or influenced by the example of that in the metropolis, are in fulloperation at Stockholm, Hanover, Berlin, Sleswick-Holstein, Elberfeld, Stutgard, Nurenberg, Frankfort Neuwied, Konigsfeld, Basle, Zurich, Bern, St. Gall, Schaffhausen, Lausanne, and among that interesting people, the Waldenses in Piedmont. In Italy a safe and promising channel had been opened for the circulation of some of the Society's tracts, printed in that country, which had induced the Committee to vote fifty pounds for the encouragement of so important an object.

From Russia and Finland the Society continue to have the most gratifying accounts of the increasing interest taken in the printing and distribution of religious tracts, many of which have been translated from the English, and printed at the Society's expense. A tract for the use of the Mongolian Tartars, being the first ever printed in the Calmuc language, had been just completed at St. Petersburgh, at the charge of the Religious Tract Society in London.

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The Society continues its attention to the very important object of supplying the numerous Chinese colonists, in the islands under the British and Dutch Governments, with religious tracts in their own language and thereis no doubt but that through them many copies will be conveyed into different provinces of China.-The Committee, sensible of the magnitude and importance of this object, have instructed the Rev. Messrs Morrison and Milne to draw upon their Treasurer for the necessary expenses they may incur in that work, beyond their former grant, to an extent not exceeding 5001.; to enable them to meet which, without interfering with

354 Letter from Prince Galitsin to Rev. Legh Richmond.

the other objects of the Society, they rely upon the liberality of the religious public, and solicit distinct contributions for that purpose, from individuals and Auxiliary Societies.

The number of tracts issued during the past year exceeds Three Millions and a Half, a large proportion of which have been circulated by poor persons who would otherwise have been destitute of the means of support; these having been furnished at prices very considerably reduced, have occasioned a loss to the Society of 4241.; which, added to its gratuitous distribution in various parts of the world, makes nearly Seven Hundred Pounds.

Testimonies to the beneficial effects produced by the circulation of religious tracts were adduced by many of the friends present from various parts of the world; and the meeting found much cause for gratitude to the God of all grace, that such an institution should have been founded, and continued to rank among the noble monuments of Christian benevolence which adorn and sanctify the British empire.

In the course of many interesting details communicated at this meeting by Mr. Paterson from Russia, he mentioned the translation (and extensive circulation) of the Rev. Legh Richmond's narratives of the Dairyman's Daughter, Negro Servant, and Young Cottager, into the Russian and Finnish languages. He also stated the satisfaction with which they had been received by the emperor Alexander, to whom the Annals of the Poor had been transmitted by the author at his (Mr. P.'s) suggestion, accompanied by a letter in which Mr. R. made an allusion to an interview which he had with His Majesty when at Portsmouth, in June 1814. Mr. P. had recently been the bearer of a letter written to Mr. Richmond, at the command of the emperor, by prince Alexander Galitzin, accompanied by a present of a topaz ring set round with diamonds, and valued at two thousand roubles. He read the letter, of which the following is a copy, and may justly be considered as a testinony of the interest which the emperor takes in the diffusion of Christian principles.

To the Rev. Legh Richmond, rector of Turvey, Bedfordshire. REVEREND SIR,

The copy of your book, "Annals of the Poor," was, according to your desire, presented to his Imperial Majesty the EmpeTor Alexander, by me, together with your letter, and accepted by his Majesty with the greatest satisfaction. The object of this volume, the promotion of Christian charity and truly religious sentiments, renders it most interesting and valuable in the eyes of the Emperor who desires nothing so much as to see the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ our Saviour, more and more universal, -in his dominions and in the whole world.

On this occasion his imperial Majesty recollected also having made your acquaintance in Portsmouth, under the circumstances you describe in your letter.

In consequence of all this, his majesty ordered me to deposit your book in the library of the Imperial Humane Society, and to

Methodist Missions.Sunday School Union Society. 355

send you the ring, which accompanies this letter, as a mark of his true esteem for you, and high approbation of your work.

It is very agreeable to me, in thus fulfilling the order of my sovereign, to assure you of the sincere esteem with which I have the honour to be your most obedient servant,

PRINCE ALEXANDER GALITZIN.

St. Petersburgh, the 14th January, 1817.

METHODIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

The Anniversary was opened by sermons, on Wednesday evening, April 29, and on Thursday morning, May 1, at the CityRoad Chapel, by the Rev. W. Myles, from Portsmouth, and the Rev. John Stephens, from Leeds. The annual Meeting was held at the same chapel, on Thursday evening, the Rev. R. Reece, president of the conference in the chair; and by adjournment, at the Methodist Chapel, Lambeth, on the Monday evening following, Thos. Thompson, Esq. M. P. in the chair. By the report read, it appears that this society employs upwards of 100 missionaries in different parts of the world: and that its expenditure in these exertions is near 14,000l.* annually. The subscriptions of the London District alone were stated to be 35921. from September, 1815. Anniversary sermons on this occasion were also preached on Friday the 2d, at Carey-street, by the Rev. R. Watson; at Hind-street, by the Rev. Jos. Benson and at the different Methodist Chapels in London, on the Sabbath following.The public collectious made on the occasion amounted to 5501.

SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION SOCIETY.

The annual meeting of this society was held at the city of London Tavern, Bishopsgate-street, on Wednesday morning, May the J4th. The members and friends breakfasted at six, and the chair was taken by Joseph Butterworth, Esq. M. P. at half past six o'clock. The report, which will shortly be published, contained truly gratifying accounts of the success of Sunday schools, both abroad and at home: under the latter head of information, it is computed that not less than 200,000 children are now receiving religious instruction in Sunday Schools connected with the various Auxiliary and country Sunday School Unions in the United Kingdom, besides those in schools not so connected.

There was a very full attendance; and upon the whole, it may be considered the most interesting anniversary of this society.

The following ministers and gentlemen addressed the meeting: The Chairman, the Rev. Dr. Pye Smith, the Rev. Messrs. Hamilton, Hillyard, Watson, Morrison, Marsden, Upton, Ivimey, and Evans; Lieut. Buck, Messrs. Marriott, Lloyd, Gale, and Jaques ; E. Lord, Esq. of New-York, and S. I. Browne, Esq. of Cincinnati, Ohio, United States.

Upwards of sixty-two thousand dollars.

356

Hibernian Society-Jews' Sociely..

HIBERNIAN SOCIETY.

On Friday, May 16, was held the anniversary of this society, at the City of London Tavern. The society met at six o'clock to breakfast, and at seven, S. MILLS, Esq. the treasurer, took the chair.

The report being read, stated, that the society now had, in 13 counties, 347 schools, containing 27,776 scholars; which was an increase of between 8 and 9000 in the past year; but that the income had so far fallen short of the expenses, as to leave them 16057. indebted to their treasurer. The report also stated many instances in which the instruction of children had been of saving advantage to their parents; and though the Popish priesthood had, in general, violently opposed the schools, on account of the use of the Scriptures in them, yet some instances occurred in which they had been cordially welcomed, even among the Catholics.

The principal speakers on the occasion, were, capt. Pakenham, R. N., Rev. Mr. Paterson from Russia, C. S. Dudley, Esq. of the society of Friends, T. Pellat, Esq., Rev. W. Evanson, a clergyman from Cork, Rev. Legh Richmond, Robt. Stephen, Esq. Rev. Mr. Stratton of York-street Chapel, Dublin, Rev. Jno. Campbell, and Mr. S. West, another member of the Society of Friends.The meeting yielded much pious gratification to the company present, and about 250l. was received in subscriptions and donations.

JEWS' SOCIETY.

Anniversary of the London Society for promoting Christianity among the Jews, held at Freemasons' Hall, Friday May 10th. Sir Thos. Baring, Bart. M. P. in the chair.

The business of the meeting was introduced by the chairman, who stated the grand object of the society to be to promote the salvation of the Jews, by directing their attention to the Lamb of God. The Jews, he remarked, had a claim upon the Christians, from their faithful preservation of the Old Testament Scriptures, and we had every reason to expect their restoration to the favour of God, and the bosom of the Church. He acknowledged that the society had met with difficulties, but trusted that by zeal and economy its prospects were become more encouraging.

The Rev. Mr. Hawtrey, one of the secretaries, then read the report, which stated the honour recently conferred on the society by the bishops of St. David's and of Gloucester having become its joint patrons; and enumerated the following measures which had been adopted to promote the object of the society. An Episcopal chapel has been erected, in which the gospel is preached to the Jews: lectures adapted to their instruction are also delivered in other chapels and churches; schools have been founded in which there are at present, about 70 children; the New Testament, in the Hebrew language, is printing, and the historical books have already been circulated among the Jews, together with various religious tracts: a monthly publication, called the Jewish Expositor, is published; and a society is formed for visiting and relieving distressed Jews.